On April 6, we announced the delay of the launch of People Meters in New York until June 3. This postponement in no way reflects on our confidence in the quality of the New York People Meter sample, nor does it affect our commitment to move forward with the implementation of People Meters in local markets.  The People Meter is the best measurement system for the 21^st century, 100+ channel TV environment, and is the globally accepted standard for providing the most accurate measurement of what people are actually watching.  It is unquestionably a significant improvement over the paper diary. 

In New York, we have met or exceeded our goals for delivering a quality People Meter sample, both from the perspective of response rates and sample characteristics that match the New York universe estimates.  Contrary to claims that have been made recently, our People Meter sample does, in fact, properly represent ethnic constituencies, with a 21.2% penetration of African Americans versus the 17.3% in the New York population, and 16.8% Hispanics versus 16.1%.

As you know, however, there has been recent and widespread concern about the introduction of this technology among certain elected officials and community leaders in New York.  While we continue to have confidence in our methods, we believe it is important to allow for sufficient time to work with and inform these constituencies.  This would not have been possible before the originally scheduled launch date, and it is for this reason that we have agreed to a delay.

In this time, we will be working on two fronts -- with our clients, to help them better understand the differences in ratings that accompany this major change in methodology, and with the broader community to better communicate the relative merits and sound underpinnings of our enhanced methodology.

Moving forward, Congressman Charles Rangel will establish the membership of a task force that will communicate with us on issues of how to better reach their respective constituencies.  Once this task force is created, we will work with its members on an ongoing basis to ensure that people of color continue to be fully counted in television ratings.

We look forward to your understanding and support as we work with our clients and the community to ensure that New York and other major markets receive the best possible television audience measurement system possible.